Drivers on Interstate 25 early Friday morning were greeted by a wall of clouds looming over the mountains.
While Denver will remain sunny and warm Friday, up to a foot of snow is expected to fall in the central and northern mountains over the weekend.
Temperatures in Denver could reach a high of 54 degrees Friday and the wind could gust up to 37 mph throughout the day, . A slight chance of snow and rain Saturday could dampen any outdoor plans, but the sunshine is expected to return Sunday.
The weather service issued a winter storm warning effective from 6 p.m. Friday to 5 a.m. Sunday for Colorado’s north and central mountains. Up to a foot of snow could fall in Steamboat Springs and Vail and up to 8 inches in Aspen. Winds could gust up to 55 mph in some areas, including Estes Park.
The storm is expected to make travel difficult in the mountains Friday and Saturday, . Heavy snow is expected to fall along the Interstate 70 corridor beginning Friday evening and winds will make visibility difficult.
Winter Storm Warning north-central mountains 6pm Friday thru 5am Sunday. Heavy snow & strong winds may lead to travel delays & road closures.
— NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder)
The snow is good news for skiers however, as resorts continue to open before their usual dates. Breckenridge Ski Resort opened its Imperial Chair Lift on Thursday, the earliest the high ski lift on the continent has ever been ready for business.
SURPRISE! Imperial Chair is open for the season. This is the earliest in the season the highest lift in North America has ever opened. Yep, we said EVER.
— Breckenridge Resort (@breckenridgemtn)
